The 200 km stretch from Gold Coast to Sunshine coast with Queensland’s capital Brisbane in its heart doesn’t just boast of 300 days of sunshine but has scores of fun pursuits that allow you to make the most of that abundant sunshine and some of Australia’s finest beaches. Wondering what to do in Brisbane and Gold Coast? Here are five fun things to do along Queensland’s southern coast.
Learn to surf in three sessions
If you grew up watching Baywatch or the iconic Old Spice commercials you might think that surfing is as easy as a walk in the park. It’s not; ask me! But the thrill of riding the waves is something very few outdoor pursuits can match. The first lesson can be a rough initiation but once you’ve mastered the art of standing on that surfboard you are good for the meanest waves. The Spit tucked away in the Gold Coast is a popular ground for newbies. Surfing schools in the area like Get Wet Surf offer a ‘stand up’ guarantee or your money back. Three lessons are usually enough to crack the code. Once you do, there are enough beaches along this stretch including the legendary Surfer’s Paradise, to show off your newly acquired skills.
Slice of cricket history
Brisbane’s Wolloongabba (better known as ‘the Gabba’) cricket ground is one of the finest cricket arenas in the world. The multi-coloured seats around the Gabba add a lovely dimension to your images. The Gabba offers weekly tours every Thursday, run by well-informed local volunteers that take you around the stadium. Very few cricket buffs know that Brisbane’s Exhibition Ground was the city’s first test cricket venue. It’s etched in the history books — this is where the legendary Don Bradman made his test debut way back in 1928. This ground plays host to the Ekka around August every year that showcases the finest from Queensland including its agricultural produce. Some of the stands from the original cricket stadium have survived over hundred years and this place is a ‘must visit’ for cricket aficionados and Bradman fans alike.
Go ‘wild’ at Australia Zoo
Steve Irwin still lives on at Gold Coast’s Australia Zoo, one of the country’s finest showcases for Australia’s unique fauna. Originally opened as the Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park by Steve Irwin’s parents (Bob and Lyn Irwin) in the 1970s, this 100-acre allows you to get up, close and personal with quite a few Australian animals. Watch volunteers feed salt water crocodiles (thankfully from a safe distance) at the Crocoseum. The ‘salties’ (Australian for Salt water crocodiles) are among the world’s largest reptiles; make sure you grab a vantage point for that image when they jump up for a spot of lunch. Overcome your fear for snakes as you wear one of the zoo’s Woma pythons around your neck — I tried it and it wasn’t creepy. If snakes are not your scene, embrace one of the zoo’s many koalas — yes they are as cuddly as they look or feed one of the rescued kangaroos.
Take in the views
There are multiple points that offer panoramic views of Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The Brisbane Wheel located conveniently on the city’s South Bank Parklands rises up to almost 60 metres, guaranteeing picture postcard views of the Brisbane skyline along the river. If you’d rather have a view that comes with an adrenaline rush, take the adventure climb up Brisbane’s historic cantilever ‘Story Bridge’. The views from pivot point at the 80-metre summit of the bridge are quite spectacular. The views get better once you get to Gold Coast with the 322.5-metre tall Q1, one of the world’s tallest residential towers. You can opt to ride the high-speed elevator to the viewing deck or try the testing SkyPoint Climb strapped to a safety harness. The viewing decks on the top floor offer staggering 360-degree views of the white sandy beaches and the Gold Coast skyline.
The ride of your life at Sunshine coast
Similarities with the Batmobile (except this was made for the ocean and not the road) don’t just end with the appearance; this jet boat can hit some unbelievable speeds. Nothing prepares you for this crazy ride — safety briefings and pre-ride instructions included. The sedate ride from the wharf to the ocean is very misleading, once you are in the Sunshine coast bay this boat hits insane speeds and doesn’t stop spinning. The operators are very proud that their rides combine jet boating moves along with high-speed Rib (acronym for Rigid-hulled inflatable boat) jumps and turns. The music playlist on the vessel (only hard rock) adds to the experience — faster heartbeats guaranteed even for thrill seekers who have seen it all. Once you are done with this intense ride, find your spot in the shade at the nearby Mooloolaba beach and calm those frayed nerves with an Aussie flat white coffee.
